Health officials probe Salmonella outbreak

In the wake of a Salmonella outbreak, possibly linked to ground beef sold from a Sterling Heights market, county and state health officials reminded consumers Friday the best defense is to avoid raw or under cooked meat.

In an investigation that’s ongoing, health officials said they’ve identified nine cases of Salmonella Typhimurium infection. The Michigan departments of Community Health and Agriculture and Rural Development are leading the investigation.

“The risk is when you eat raw meat,” said William Ridella, director of the Macomb County Health Department. “Meat must be cooked properly to prevent food-borne illnesses.”

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Ridella said a complaint received by his department Dec. 20 triggered the investigation that turned up the nine cases. Those infected include five females and four males ranging in age from 2 to 87 years. At least three were residents of Macomb County. The onset of the illnesses ranged from Dec. 9, 2012 to Jan. 7, 2013.

Six of those nine became ill after eating raw meat at an unidentified restaurant. The meat was prepared as part of an Arab dish called Kibbeh, which includes ground red meat as an ingredient.

Ridella said the investigation linked the tainted meat to Jouni Meat, a Sterling Heights retailer. As a precaution, the store put out a recall for 500 pounds of ground beef for possible Salmonella contamination.

Store owner Khalil Jouni said he doesn’t know for sure his store was the source of the contamination, but he cooperated with health department officials.

“I’ve been in business for 15 years, and this is the first time this happened,” Jouni said.

According to officials, the ground beef was sold in various size packages Dec. 4, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2012. The meat was sold both to restaurants and individual customers. The products were not labeled.

Of the seven people who became ill, only one required hospitalization, said Dr. Kevin Lokar, medical director for the county health department. That person recovered and was released.

Symptoms of Salmonella-related illness include fever and diarrhea that typically manifest themselves a few days after patients consume tainted food.

Infected persons should drink plenty of fluids and get rest. Severe symptoms may required medical treatment, Lokar said, but many are able to ride out the illness.

Consumers are encouraged to monitor additional recall information at www.michigan.gov/foodsafety. Click on the Food Recalls link.